A historic bar in Newcastle, Union Rooms, is set for a multi-million pound makeover this autumn, transforming the venue into a sports bar, garden room and pizza restaurant.

Owners of the site Cyclone Newcastle have revealed the new plans following the bar’s acquisition last year, which was formerly home to a JD Wetherspoons operation.

Under the new proposals the Grade II listed building’s original features are retained and brought to life.

“We are aiming to create something amazing in the city centre, transforming the Union Rooms into more than just another bar,” says Stuart Young, director at Cyclone Leisure.

“With current works ongoing to improve that whole area, we are located in one of Newcastle’s most prominent positions.

“The team has been working hard on plans and ideas on how we can transform the building into the city’s premier eating and drinking establishment.”

The work is set to include refurbishments to the main bar areas to create more space and a fixed seating area, while putting a stronger emphasis on food.

An open pizza area will utilise the firm’s Italian restaurant background, with work due to start imminently while the bar remains open for business.

It will then close for a few weeks in October, with completion due by mid-November.

“Our plan is to start work on the bar areas in the next couple of weeks, but we will remain open for business with individual areas closing as and when required,” adds Young.

“Once we have completed the bar area, we plan to start on the next part of the refurbishment which we hope will also include hotel accommodation and a few more top secret ideas. All will be revealed in due course.”